If the pledges of the candidates representing BTP and PDP for the Athang_Thoedtsho Constituency in Wangdue Phodrang are anything go by, the production of livestock and agricultural produce in the constituency will likely improve in the future. During the common forum, the candidates of both parties have pledged to improve production. The candidates say although the district is already producing enough, production still needs to increase to meet the goal of self-sufficiency.
During a common forum at Ruebisa Gewog in Wangdue Phodrang, the Bhutan Tendrel Party’s candidate for Athang_Thedtsho Constituency informed the people gathered that the existing livestock production needs to improve.
The candidate has pledged to increase the number of Milk Processing Units and poultry farms if BTP forms the next government.
Likewise, the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate for Athang_Thedtsho Constituency promised that the party would give loans without interest to buy one power tiller and a jersey cow each in rural households to enhance agriculture and livestock production.
“It is important that the government bears half the price and provides good breed cow. Likewise, nutrition for animals is also important if we are to increase production. It is also important to develop pasture land for grazing. Apart from that, there is also the need to provide Milk Processing Units,” said BTP’s Athang_Thedtsho’s candidate, Ugyen.
“Wangdue Phodrang district is the gateway to a lot of districts. Now, we have the Gelephu Mindfulness City coming up. The district has good milk production. So, we will pledge to reach that to Gelephu town. We also pledge to give loans without interest to buy better-bred cattle including Jersey cows,” said PDP’s Athang_Thedtsho’s candidate, Tandin Wangchuk.
Likewise, both candidates have pledged to improve agricultural production to achieve food self-sufficiency.
“People work hard to produce but the government needs to support by providing the required seeds and helping with land management activities. The support should not end there, the government will have to help with marketing the produce. We will do that if we get to form the next government,” said BTP’s Athang_Thedtsho’s candidate, Ugyen.
“For rural people, livestock and agriculture productivity is essential. So, we will provide them with seeds and necessary training. Power tiller is important for that matter. So, we pledge to give loans without interest to buy power tillers,” said PDP’s Athang_Thedtsho’s candidate, Tandin Wangchuk.
Athang_Thedtsho Constituency in Wangdue Phodrang has more than 11 thousand eligible voters.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Phub Gyem
